Oviedo Academy Gives Regular Folks An Inside Look At Law Enforcement

December 6, 1998|By Jennifer Edwards of The Sentinel Staff

OVIEDO - Kathy Evans has a better appreciation of law enforcement.

Evans was one of 12 residents who recently completed the first class of the Citizens Police Academy offered by the Oviedo Police Department. The class met for three hours a week for 11 weeks and learned about different aspects of law enforcement in the department.

``This gave me a better idea of what police go up against every day when they go out on the street,'' Evans said. ``It's not your everyday kind of job.''

During the course, residents learned how officers handle criminal procedures, from search and seizures to drug and violent crime investigations. They also watched detailed videotapes of officers on the job. The group learned about training standards of officers, how each applicant must undergo a background check and that the department has an Internal Affairs Division to handle complaints against officers.

Police Chief Dennis Peterson said the course fosters openness between officers and residents and gives the public a chance to see how the department works.

Led by Oviedo police Lt. Ron Jacobs, the academy is free and open to city residents or business owners. The department plans to hold the academy once a year. Applicants must be 21 years old and agree to a criminal background check.